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Re: Newbie Questions

To: Douglas Gaither <gaither@cybergate.com>
Subject: Re: Newbie Questions
From: TJ Noto <tjn@rahul.net>
Date: Tue, 09 Jul 1996 19:06:15 -0700
Douglas Gaither wrote:
> 
> I am a newcomer to your ranks having just purchased my first MG.  It is a
> 1966 'B' that desperately needs an engine rebuild amongst other
> attentions.  I have a few questions that I am hoping some of you will
> take a moment to answer for me.

Congratulations Doug, and welcome to the coven.....

> 
> 1) I need recommendations for parts suppliers.  My father has a '73B and
> has used Moss exclusively, but after reading this group for a few days,
> it seems that the general concensus is that Moss is expensive.

Don't know about you, but my local British car specialty houses are always
more expensive than the mail order places. (TRF or Moss)  I have the luxury
of having a decent MG shop not far from here who resells Moss stuff.  I rather
like Moss, their catalog and newsletter.  I'm just happy to have the parts
available in the first place.  


> 
> 2) The two 6-volt batteries are toast and I noticed that in the Moss
> description for their plastic battery-bay 'buckets' they mention that a
> single Group 21 or Group 26 12-volt will work.  Anyone have experience?
> Group 21?  Group 26?

When I bought my car 6 years ago I stuffed the largest 12v battery I could
find in one of the battery boxes and converted it to negative ground.  While
inelegant, it works fine.  It only BARELY fits...but I didn't look very long
for a battery, just took the first one that I found.  I would not run the 6v
setup today....but that's just me.

> 
> 3) Moss also lists an MGB Engine Rebuild Video (120min) by a Dr. Doolin?
> I plan on rebuilding myself and am no great mechanical wizard (although
> I'm no slouch).  Moss wants $62.50 for it.  Is this video good?  Waste of
> money?  Other suggestions?
> 

Unless you're mechanically inept I can't imagine needing to buy this video.
While I"m sure it's entertaining and informative, the MG engine is not
exactly the pinnacle of technical innovation and is a very easy engine to 
rebuild.  Your call though....$63 buys you a new timing chain and gear doesn't
it?

> 4) I want a book as well.  I was considering 'Guide to Purchase & DIY
> Restoration' by Lindsay Porter.  I would appreciate comments or other
> suggestions.

The Illustrated MGB by Woods and Burrel ISBN 0-85429-737-5 is on my bookshelf...
it's not bad...I'm sure there are many others too.....a Bentley manual is 
a great investment for the mechanical portion of things.

> 
> 5) lastly, I am considering the 'Spin-on' oil filter adapter as it seems
> much easier and cleaner (less messy) than the original oil filter setup.
> Is this a good idea?

I think it is...I have one...the only problem I have with it is that it's a 
tight
fit for the coil and it's related wiring.  But other than that.....they're 
great,
and I'm sure they filter more efficiently.

Have fun!
TJ
-- 
TJ Noto         Palo Alto               CA      USA             
http://www.rahul.net/tjn
Owned by:       95 Ducati 900ss         65 MGB  87 BMW 325is    70 Triumph TR6
"Once again Yankee ingenuity Triumphs over British craftsmenship"

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